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The year of the Cuban baseball player

Latinos have long had a major impact on Big League Baseball. But this season, players from the island of Cuba are grabbing headlines with an electrifying style of play.

So to help us celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, we look at the extraordinary flow of Cuban talent to the Major Leagues.

According to Major League baseball, more than 17 Cuban ballplayers have taken the field this season – with minor league stars and defectors waiting in the wings. But Cubans on the diamond are nothing new in Chicago, which has long been a haven for talented “peloteros.”

From the Dodger’s acrobatic Yasiel Puig, blessed with grace, power and a fiery temperament to 103 MPH Cincinnati flamethrower Aroldis Chapman and many others, Cuban players are emerging like never before.

It is no surprise to Alexei Ramirez.

“We were born with baseball,” the Sox shortstop explains. “We play baseball and we play with lots of passion. And that’s what, makes us better everyday.”

Cubans are soaring across the Major Leagues and on Chicago’s Southside. But the slugging Ramirez, and his counterpart, 24-year-old outfielder Dayan Viciedo, are not the first Cubanos to don the Black & White. Both men are just the latest in a long, proud tradition of Cubanos in Chicago. You’ll love this fun and musical look at the beautiful game of Cuban “beisbol!”

When the World Series ends in October, you can watch the Cuban league which starts November 3rd. And here’s the best part, it’s free. Watch live games or highlights on the “Baseball de Cuba” here: http://www.baseballdecuba.com/newsite/index.html